Barbados’ junior football program has achieved a remarkable milestone as the Under-17 national team delivered an exceptional performance at the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers in Trinidad. The Junior Tridents, under the guidance of head coach Marlon Harte, secured second place in Group A behind tournament favorites Mexico, who have advanced to the World Cup finals.
The team’s campaign concluded triumphantly with a decisive 6-0 victory over Saint Martin, showcasing the squad’s offensive prowess and defensive solidity. Their journey through the qualifiers included a commendable 1-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago and a dominant 7-1 performance against St Maarten. The sole defeat came against the group winners Mexico, with a respectable 4-1 scoreline against one of the region’s football powerhouses.
Upon their return to Barbados on Friday morning, the young athletes received a hero’s welcome from scores of enthusiastic parents, supporters, and officials from the Barbados Football Association (BFA), led by general secretary Nicholas Brancker.
Coach Harte emphasized the significance of this achievement for the island’s football development. “This represents a tremendous opportunity that demonstrates the dedication of all clubs, coaches, and the ongoing development work,” Harte stated. He highlighted the importance of exposure to high-level competition through both the Prime Minister’s Cup and the Premier League as crucial factors in building player confidence and experience.
The coaching staff’s immediate focus will be maintaining the squad’s core structure while monitoring players competing at various youth levels, in the BFA Premiership, and internationally. Harte stressed the importance of continued player development and parental involvement in sustaining progress.
Team captain Tariq Barker attributed their success to exceptional squad cohesion, describing the team as “like a family” where players naturally bonded and supported each other throughout the competition.
The Barbados Football Association views this performance as a foundation for future success, with plans already underway for training sessions and potential squad expansion to identify and develop new talent.